Eating zucchini supports the healthy functions of the digestive system. The high amounts of dietary fiber, electrolytes, water, and other nutrients found in each gourd reduce the risks of constipation and other disorders related to digestion. Regular consumption of zucchini may also stop the onset of colon cancer, inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS), and ulcers, as previously noted. Here Alina Petre, HealthLine.com, reflects on health and nutritional benefits of zucchini:

“Zucchini, also known as courgette, is a summer squash in the Cucurbitaceae plant family, alongside melons, spaghetti squash, and cucumbers.

It can grow to more than 3.2 feet (1 meter) in length but is usually harvested when still immature — typically measuring under 8 inches (20 cm).

Although zucchini is often considered a vegetable, it is botanically classified as a fruit. It occurs in several varieties, which range in color from deep yellow to dark green.

While squashes originated in the Americas, this particular variety was first developed in the early 1800s in Italy (1Trusted Source).

Zucchini has been used in folk medicine to treat colds, aches, and various health conditions. However, not all of its uses are backed by science.

Here are 12 evidence-based benefits of zucchini.

High in Antioxidants

Zucchini is also rich in antioxidants.

Antioxidants are beneficial plant compounds that help protect your body from damage by free radicals.

Carotenoids — such as lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene — are particularly plentiful in zucchini (3Trusted Source).

These may benefit your eyes, skin, and heart, as well as offer some protection against certain types of cancer, such as prostate cancer (4Trusted Source).

Research indicates that the skin of the plant harbors the highest levels of antioxidants. Yellow zucchinis may contain slightly higher levels than light green ones (5, 6Trusted Source).

Contributes to Healthy Digestion

Zucchini may promote healthy digestion in several ways.

For starters, it’s rich in water, which can soften stools. This makes them easier to pass and reduces your chances of constipation (7).

Zucchini also contains both soluble and insoluble fiber.

Insoluble fiber adds bulk to stools and helps food move through your gut more easily, further reducing constipation risk. This benefit is compounded if you have enough fluids in your diet (8Trusted Source).

Meanwhile, soluble fiber feeds the beneficial bacteria living in your gut. In turn, these friendly bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that nourish your gut cells (9Trusted Source).

What’s more, SCFAs may help reduce inflammation and symptoms of certain gut disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis (9Trusted Source, 10Trusted Source, 11Trusted Source).

May Reduce Blood Sugar Levels

Zucchini may help lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

At 3 grams of carbs per cooked cup (232 grams), zucchini provides a great low-carb alternative to pasta for those looking to reduce carb intake. It can be spiralized or sliced to replace spaghetti, linguini, or lasagna noodles in dishes.

Low-carb diets can significantly lower blood sugar and insulin levels, both of which may keep blood sugar levels stable and reduce the need for medication in people with type 2 diabetes (12Trusted Source, 13Trusted Source).

What’s more, zucchini’s fiber helps stabilize blood sugar, preventing levels from spiking after meals. Diets rich in fiber from fruits and vegetables — including zucchini — are consistently linked to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes (14Trusted Source).

The fiber found in zucchini may also help increase insulin sensitivity, which can help stabilize blood sugar as well (15Trusted Source).

Additionally, animal studies note that zucchini peel extract may help reduce blood sugar and insulin levels. This may be due to the skin’s potent antioxidants (16Trusted Source).

However, human research is needed before strong conclusions can be made.”

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